Let's first understand that you should not blog just to accumulate tons of comments. Quality means more than quantity. I don't really want to see 35 to 684 comments on every post I write. Especially if the comments were just "I agree" or "nice design" or "you rock".

I'd rather have one good comment for every 30 posts I publish, than 30 boring, off topic, or flattering comments for every post. And I'm weird I guess, but I prefer criticism to praise. I don't grow or learn with compliments. It's only criticism, negative comments, hatred, challenge that can teach me anything.

I already know my single strong point: I'm an okay scribbler.

Now, I want to hear about my weak points.

How about you? Would huge numbers of comments make you feel...well..."popular"? More "authoritative"? More "important" as a blogger?

There is only one reason why a Hardcore Blogger would like seeing comments on her posts: the comments enrich the discussion, enlighten the blogger, and educate the readers of your blog.

So, now that you have the proper perspective on blog comments, how can you attract more for your blog? By doing what you do on your blog, but doing it at other blogs. In other words: deposit really smart, relevant, interesting comments at other blogs.

How to do a Comment Blitz:

Comment Posting: publishing your thoughts and opinions at other blogs.

Blitz: overwhelming assault or activity that quickly accomplishes a goal; striking so fast, people wonder what hit them.

(2) Quickly scan each blog to determine which recent posts deal with some topic you're interested in and can contribute to.

(3) Click-select "Add Comment" or similarly worded function.

(4) Enter an intelligent remark, a nice compliment, or a friendly question.

(5) Be sure to embed your blog URL in the comment form, which generally will make your name (comment posted by...) a link to your blog.

(6) Avoid mentioning your blog or any post at it, unless extremely relevant and urgent to the topic thread. "Post URL Promotion", even though recommended by Blogger, is something I'm against. It looks spammy. Like you're using another person's blog to advertise your blog.

(7) If your comment is clever, on topic, and well written, it will get noticed by the blog author first, and by other commenters secondly. Hope for the best.

(8) Keep track, on a piece of paper or index card, of how many blogs you can visit and post comments on per day.

(9) Don't be shocked if the blogger emails you and expresses appreciation for your comment. Be sure to respond quickly to the blog author, or any of his readers, who show up at your blog.

I think we should spend a certain amount of time each week at least, visiting other blogs and posting comments at them. This makes the blogosphere strong and healthy.

For example, yesterday and today I posted comments at the following blogs:

Are you implying my content is not rare? Or usable? Or credible? The nerve, sir!

Yes. My blog is active again. I forgot to announce that.

You know, it's kind of annoying to not have your friends give you any credit on your own projects. Actually, what do I care? My blog can probably best be described as a writing exercise anyway. Meh...

I think that, much as DCS is taking a break from blogging, I am going to take a break from commenting at my blog acquaintances' blogs. From now on I only comment on Luis David's blog, as he is the only person who consistently shows any interest in what's going on in my world.

Instead of writing them on paper, tag them mycomments or comments at delicious, that way you can easily go back and check up on your comments, if anyone commented on your comments and it is WAY easier than scribbling on paper, right clicks are fun.

Hey Steve, thanks for the kind words on my Blog. I read through yours. I like the GoogleBattle.com thing. Funny, I put in "Happy vs Depressed" and Happy overwhelmingly beat depressed by about a 50 to 1 ratio. Ah...There's hope after all. JohnnyB Peabody, MA